The Car Which Shall Not Be Named III (1935 Lincoln K)

[Matt Harwood]

As I've mentioned, the oil pressure in my Lincoln isn't great. I've [mostly] resigned myself to not worrying about it and after talking to a few experts, including Mark Clayton, it seems that low oil pressure is common on these engines. I've done a few things to boost hot oil pressure, but given that it has a roller cam and a giant high-volume oil pump, not to mention the quality of today's oils, I really don't think it's in any danger. There's plenty of oil getting to the vital parts, it's just not under much pressure. Volume is what matters anyway.

 

Nevertheless, I have been looking at other Lincolns, mostly in videos, to see if I can spot their oil pressure gauges when they're running. And I noticed something odd:

 

My 1935 oil pressure gauge. Note that the mid-point is 30 PSI and it goes all the way to 60 PSI.

 

Here's a 1936 gauge. Now the mid-point is only 20 PSI and top end is 50 PSI.

 

Here's a '38 gauge. Same deal:

 

It remained that way for the rest of Lincoln K production. I can only surmise that even when these cars were new, they had oil pressure issues and Lincoln knew about it. They simply changed what "normal" is on the gauge and apparently that was an acceptable solution for engineers and customers alike. My car holds 20 PSI all the time (it shows 50 when it's cold) so this is another link in the chain that makes me feel OK about the new engine's oil pressure. Anything I can do to worry less is good, right?

 

Next oil change I'm going to switch to straight 50 weight and see if that improves things even more. Right now I have 15W50 in it so I'm hopeful that the straight weight oil will help, perhaps a synthetic of some kind.

 

 

[Grimy]

10 minutes ago, Matt Harwood said:

As I've mentioned, the oil pressure in my Lincoln isn't great. I've [mostly] resigned myself to not worrying about it and after talking to a few experts, including Mark Clayton, it seems that low oil pressure is common on these engines. I've done a few things to boost hot oil pressure, but given that it has a roller cam and a giant high-volume oil pump, not to mention the quality of today's oils, I really don't think it's in any danger. There's plenty of oil getting to the vital parts, it's just not under much pressure. Volume is what matters anyway.

 

Nevertheless, I have been looking at other Lincolns, mostly in videos, to see if I can spot their oil pressure gauges when they're running. And I noticed something odd:

 

My 1935 oil pressure gauge. Note that the mid-point is 30 PSI and it goes all the way to 60 PSI.

 

Here's a 1936 gauge. Now the mid-point is only 20 PSI and top end is 50 PSI.

 

Here's a '38 gauge. Same deal:

 

It remained that way for the rest of Lincoln K production. I can only surmise that even when these cars were new, they had oil pressure issues and Lincoln knew about it. They simply changed what "normal" is on the gauge and apparently that was an acceptable solution for engineers and customers alike. My car holds 20 PSI all the time (it shows 50 when it's cold) so this is another link in the chain that makes me feel OK about the new engine's oil pressure. Anything I can do to worry less is good, right?

 

Next oil change I'm going to switch to straight 50 weight and see if that improves things even more. Right now I have 15W50 in it so I'm hopeful that the straight weight oil will help, perhaps a synthetic of some kind.

 

 

I'll try to shed some light on this from Pierce-Arrow's approach, which was to use *volume* rather than pressure.  My 1918 48 dual valve manual says 25 psi at 40 mph hot, BUT that year they also changed the oil pressure gauge from a 50-lb to a 100-lb!  This was documented in PAMCC Engineering Committee minutes published 20 years ago in the PAS magazine.  On the other end of the Pierce spectrum, my 1925 Series 80 (junior varsity single-valve offering), also has a 100-lb gauge but 20-25 psi at hot run is fine and "just off the peg" (i.e., 1-2 psi) idle is also fine, although there are external adjustments for both idle and run.  My 1930 and 1934 Pierce 8s are similar.  Only beginning in 1936 did the Owners Manual increase the desired hot-run oil pressure to 35 lbs at 40 mph.

 

Remember that there were no multi-grade oils when these cars were produced.  Even with the 15W-40 I run in my fleet, cold start oil pressure at 1,000 rpm may be 60-70 psi but drops off very substantially as the engine and oil warm up.  When I first acquired my Series 80 in 1994, I used single-grade SAE 30 and even a very worn engine produced 80 psi at cold start but pressure dropped off quickly as the engine warmed.

 

For what it may be worth...but of course I defer to Lincoln specialists.  Just know you're not alone 🙂

[m-mman]

Perhaps Lincoln (Ford) engineers just couldn’t figure out oil pressure? 

Low oil pressure is and was the chronic situation with the other V12 they were building at the same time, the Zephyr. 

They built a lot more Zephyrs so a lot more people had experience with them and they got the bad reputation.
 

If chronically low oil pressure was a thing on model Ks few people would have experienced this and maybe that’s why it’s not well known?  
 

As an FYI in 1960 Ford changed the face on their temp gauge to stop complaints about “overheating”. 

[rodneybeauchamp]

On 9/22/2023 at 12:46 AM, Matt Harwood said:

 

Next oil change I'm going to switch to straight 50 weight and see if that improves things even more. Right now I have 15W50 in it so I'm hopeful that the straight weight oil will help, perhaps a synthetic of some kind.

 

 

Hi Matt, for what it is worth Penrite Oil in Australia are making a fully synthetic oil they are calling “Extra Ten”, which from what I can work out means that at hotter temperatures it maintains viscosity.
 

As you would be aware, down under we have more issues with higher ambient temperatures rather than ice and snow. 

 

The reply is from the Technical Support explaining how it works. Have not used it but seriously considering.
 

Might be worth a look if available over there.

 

Just my two bobs worth that Penrite give me (kidding) 

Rodney 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀
 

 

[Matt Harwood]

We've been working on this video for a long time and finally wrapped it up this weekend. We're hoping to show it on an iPad at Hershey so people can see at least some of what we went through to get this car where it is today. It's a little long, but there was so much ground to cover. We tried to hit the highlights.

 

If you've been following along, this will be a trip down memory lane. And if you're just now finding this thread, perhaps this will give you the overview without having to wade through all 50 pages. 

 

Please stick around for the credits at the end--so many of you helped make this possible that thanking you here is the least we could do. You will always have our gratitude.

 

-Matt and Melanie

 

 

[29 Chandler]

Congratulations Matt, found the video on YouTube under my recommendations. Love seeing all the hard work you and the team have put in that we all have enjoyed reading about so much.

 

 

[edinmass]

Enjoyed the video! Looking forward to a ride in the car. It’s hard to convey how difficult it is to get a big early car dialed in and operating like new. The big CCCA Classics have three to five times more parts than you average “everyday man’s car” from the era. Which means much more time, effort, and expense to get them right. In the end you have a great looking and driving car that will provide a lifetime of fun and adventure. The best thing about the Lincoln journey? All the new friends and contacts that you made along the way. It will make things ten times easier for your next big pre war collector car. I think you need to buy a Pierce 12 next! Or maybe you need the challenge of a Stearns-Knight 8 sleeve valve engine. You know what I mean…….something that makes your Lincoln K adventure look like changing a spark plugs in Model T!  Congratulations on getting the Lincoln across the finish line. I know too well the blood, sweat, and tears of the automotive challenge you took. Ultimately……..you didn’t give up. That’s a true sign of character……..and insanity. Welcome to my world. Some days I think I’m crazy, other days I’m certain of it. 
 

My two favorite things in the video…….the shot of the car in front of the Lincoln Dealership at the Gilmore Museum. I’m also particularly proud of all the people you listed at the end of the video, I’m the only one with a special “added” nomenclature next to my name. Better yet, it wasn’t obscene……….which would have been fully justified! 😎

 

And now, for the special award to you and your family. For the first time ever……..…..you get four thumbs up for pushing through to the end. You should be justifiably proud of your accomplishment………👍👍👍👍
 

PS- as I finish typing this, I’m heading off to Hershey in fifteen minutes. Since the Lincoln will be displayed in the car corral before the show, I’m bringing along my tools so I can remove those god awful fog lights! 
 

 

 

Edited October 2, 2023 by edinmass (see edit history)

[Mike "Hubbie" Stearns]

Matt and the family. Thanks for the journey. I really enjoyed the video. You all have done an awesome job bring the Lincoln back to life. Just sit back and enjoy the drive. I’m hoping to see it in person some day. Mike

[Wascator]

I got to see it today! Wow!

[Matt Harwood]

Met quite a few fellow DF'ers today, which was awesome. More than a few people tried to buy the Lincoln so don't be alarmed when I put a SOLD sign on it tomorrow just to discourage that--it isn't sold and I'm keeping it, no worries.

 

If you're here in Hershey, please come see us in the Car Corral, spaces B135-B137. Look for the tow truck!

 

[Roger Zimmermann]

Incredible how the Avanti is looking small compared to the other two vehicles!

[TAKerry]

Great video Matt, will look you up tomorrow.

[alsancle]

[edinmass]

After that last photo, I’m not hungry for lunch anymore! 

[edinmass]

I would like to personally thank Matt  for allowing me to remove those fog lights!
 

[38Buick 80C]

[keiser31]

Beautiful car!

[Matt Harwood]

13 minutes ago, 38Buick 80C said:

 

LOL, that must be some kind of record for quickest post. I feel like I just saw you 10 minutes ago!

[JV Puleo]

6 hours ago, edinmass said:

I would like to personally thank Matt  for allowing me to remove those fog lights!
 

It does look a lot better without them.

[Matt Harwood]

Today I found the taillight lens that I've been needing since I bought the car. Heart-stoppingly expensive. I'm debating whether I want to try to install it in the parking lot tonight before the car is judged tomorrow or do it in the safety of my own shop instead of a parking lot. Hmmm...

 

[Roscoe]

All I can think of is if you refer to it as "heart-stoppingly expensive" after all you've confessed to pouring into the engine of that beautiful old girl....I'd be scared to even HAVE it in the parking lot.😁

[95Cardinal]

Matt, I had a very pleasant visit with Melanie while you were out searching for that tail light lens. The car looks fantastic and you should be proud of your accomplishments. Well done, sir!

[keiser31]

3 hours ago, Matt Harwood said:

Today I found the taillight lens that I've been needing since I bought the car. Heart-stoppingly expensive. I'm debating whether I want to try to install it in the parking lot tonight before the car is judged tomorrow or do it in the safety of my own shop instead of a parking lot. Hmmm...

 

Don't forget to put some towels on the floor as you do it.

[EmTee]

4 hours ago, Matt Harwood said:

I'm debating whether I want to try to install it in the parking lot tonight before the car is judged tomorrow or do it in the safety of my own shop instead of a parking lot. Hmmm...

Aw, what could possibly go wrong...? 

[Matt Harwood]

Well, I'm in good company on the show field. I only have to score within 10 points of the freshly restored Duesenberg next to me...

 

 

[edinmass]

Nothing like parking next to a world class car owned by one of the most sophisticated and knowledgeable collectors in the world. Great people, and good friends. 

[AB-Buff]

Matt, that picture would be great. There’s only one thing wrong with it. It looks like you’re working on your engine. Just saying, don’t lift the hood up. Unless somebody asked you to see the engine. It’s just a Concours thing.

[AB-Buff]

By the way, I finally got a chance to watch the video. I had forgotten about a few of those things and then I remembered there were more things that you did that weren’t in the video. It was a long process. Anyway, good video. I’m glad it’s running like it should be. Just keep enjoying it!

[Matt Harwood]

Well the downside of parking my junker between a million-dollar Auburn Speedster and a $5 million Duesenberg SJN is that everyone is fighting to get the perfect photo of the great cars. One guy standing on my running board trying to get the Auburn's pointy tail in his shot, a whole lot of people just inserting their butts into my face to get the perfect shot, a bunch of folks just crowding into our personal space without even saying, "Excuse me," and a dozen or so people dragging zippers, purses, and umbrellas along my fenders while they look through their cameras shooting video without a care. Hey, I know my piece of shit car isn't worth a million bucks but come ON, a little respect would be nice. That sucked. We amused ourselves by taking pictures of butts that got too close.

 

  

 

   

Edited October 6, 2023 by Matt Harwood (see edit history)

[MotiveLensPhoto]

10 minutes ago, Matt Harwood said:

Well the downside of parking my junker between a million-dollar Auburn Speedster and a $5 million Duesenberg SJN is that everyone is fighting to get the perfect photo of the great cars. One guy standing on my running board trying to get the Auburn's pointy tail in his shot, a whole lot of people just inserting their butts into my face to get the perfect shot, a bunch of folks just crowding into our personal space without even saying, "Excuse me," and a dozen or so people dragging zippers, purses, and umbrellas along my fenders while they look through their cameras shooting video without a care. Hey, I know my piece of shit car isn't worth a million bucks but come ON, a little respect would be nice. That sucked. We amused ourselves by taking pictures of butts that got too close.

 

  

 

   

And here I am thinking you had some sort of pants fetish.

[drhach]

Pearls before swine.

[38Buick 80C]

10 hours ago, Matt Harwood said:

Well, I'm in good company on the show field. I only have to score within 10 points of the freshly restored Duesenberg next to me...

 

 

Hey, The Duesy is just their driver / tour car... c'mon you got this.

[AB-Buff]

You know, I would rather have your car, than either one of those two. More than likely they’re just trailer queens and more than likely their owners only know how to write a check. But you on the other hand are a hands-on type guy and you thoroughly know the inside and out of that Lincoln. And if something happens to where you have to adjust or do something on the side of the road, you’re going to be able to do it, chances are they won’t. Anyway, don’t sell your Lincoln short. It’s a great car.
Lynn

[alsancle]

8 hours ago, AB-Buff said:

You know, I would rather have your car, than either one of those two. More than likely they’re just trailer queens and more than likely their owners only know how to write a check. But you on the other hand are a hands-on type guy and you thoroughly know the inside and out of that Lincoln. And if something happens to where you have to adjust or do something on the side of the road, you’re going to be able to do it, chances are they won’t. Anyway, don’t sell your Lincoln short. It’s a great car.
Lynn

 Lynn,  tsk tsk.  That JN Duesenberg is owned by the Bahre family since Bob passed away.   If you knew anything about Bob or his family you would know that is tremendously unfair.   The Duesenberg tour is coming up soon and there will be 25 cars like that one getting the absolute crap kicked out of them.    

 

 

[Ken_P]

Matt, it was great meeting you and Melanie. The car looked great! Hope you did well!

[AB-Buff]

1 hour ago, alsancle said:

Lynn,  tsk tsk.  That JN Duesenberg is owned by the Bahre family since Bob passed away.   If you knew anything about Bob or his family you would know that is tremendously unfair

Well, unfortunately, I don’t know anyone that owns a Dusenburg. My experience in the last 20 years of going to Concours is, when I see a high end car and I go visit the owner to talk to him about it, there’s a 99% chance it’s not the owner it’s someone who takes care of the car does it off and the owner shows up later that day. It is what it is. I would’ve liked to have met Bob.

[West Peterson]

On 10/6/2023 at 4:19 PM, Matt Harwood said:

 

 

If I'm not mistaken, this lady is a former M-B 500K Cabriolet A owner who also used to do field drives in a Porsche 356. She sold it to the owner of that creme-colored Auburn boattail (who also happened to own the un-restored 1931 Duesenberg convertible coupe that was shown at Hershey).

AJ??

[8E45E]

On 10/6/2023 at 2:19 PM, Matt Harwood said:

Well the downside of parking my junker between a million-dollar Auburn Speedster and a $5 million Duesenberg SJN is that everyone is fighting to get the perfect photo of the great cars. One guy standing on my running board trying to get the Auburn's pointy tail in his shot, a whole lot of people just inserting their butts into my face to get the perfect shot, a bunch of folks just crowding into our personal space without even saying, "Excuse me," and a dozen or so people dragging zippers, purses, and umbrellas along my fenders while they look through their cameras shooting video without a care. Hey, I know my piece of shit car isn't worth a million bucks but come ON, a little respect would be nice. That sucked. We amused ourselves by taking pictures of butts that got too close.

 

  

 

   

Reminds me of the 1979 GWG Blue Jeans commercial  😏:  

 

 

Craig

[edinmass]

That commercial is so old, they don't have faded jeans or ones with rips in them..........my, how the world has progressed! That's what I call progress!

[edinmass]

 

To address Matt's comments of the cars parked next to him.................We are VERY AWARE of where we park our cars on any show field. Simply put.........placing "world class iron" next to how shall we say it............ "great collector cars".............. is unfair to BOTH parties. I took a Duesenberg to a cruise night, and asked to be parked over in the far empty corner of the field. The people running the event refused, and I was parked next to a VW bug, and a Chevy Nova. Within 20 minutes all the cars around me moved to the back rows............the people running the thing just didn't get it. They came over to me and asked what happened. That's what happens when the field is set up by what is usually volunteers who mean well but don't understand the reality of shows. Parking big brass or classics close together causes all sorts of issues from people taking photos, not enough room for the people wishing to look inside, ect. Obviously you can only do so much with no shows and such, but certain cars just draw more attention than others. I haven't been to the Hershey Car Show in 25 years..........it's too crowded for my taste after the first half hour............and while I plan to bring some of my cars in the future, it will be the preservation class cars........... having to "stand guard" around a high point car is lots of work........too many pocket books with metal edges, strollers, dogs, kids, scooters...........half the time at Pebble we get damage.............we got it real bad there this year, and will need to do paint work on a fender. Personally I like to consider all pre war cars as something close to equal, as it takes a special dedication to love and drive the early stuff. Sort of a "Brothers in Arms" kind of thing.